We are delighted that the excitement of getting a huge bag of hand-me-downs has been reinvigorated for East Lothian’s children, thanks to a package of grants from some awesome funders.

Lil has secured more than £15,000 in funding to pay for storage, staff time and increased events.

Already the funding has seen an increase in use of the ReUse suitcases – big bags of hand-me-downs from the community that are available for free, in all sizes from maternity bumps, babies through to teens and adult sizes.

It has supported a donations-drive for formal menswear for Knox Academy High School’s leavers event. 

And the creation of a survey looking at attitudes to secondhand/sharing: https://forms.gle/GynE9qj5EtCSxP6S9

Users of the ReUse Suitcases have been delighted.

“It was absolutely brilliant for getting my son into new-to-him clothes and we’ll be looking out for it when he grows again next week. My daughter and I are now also keen to see the teens & ladies bags,” said one mum.

“My sister got 2kg for her kids and I took another 1kg for mine,” said Anna, another user. “My daughter tried on some things that she never normally would have, it’s been brilliant.”

Lil’s ReUse project lead Louise Hastie was delighted the funding was already having an impact and bringing joy:

“We love seeing these reuse projects spreading out into the community. For every 1kg of clothes we keep in reuse, we can potentially save up to 25kg of carbon equivalent. Plus, we hear of how folk have got something special, or something they wouldn’t normally buy – that buzz from a bargain or sense of fun is priceless.”

The funding received includes: £8330 from the National Lottery Community Fund, £3750 from East Lothian Council One Partnership Fund and £3620 from the NatureSave Trust.

The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still said: “Every day National Lottery funding is changing the lives of thousands of people in communities across Scotland for the better. This project delivered by Lower Impact Living (Lil) CIC, is a great example of community activity in action, showing just what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause or to help others.

 “National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is helping to support this vital work which is making a real difference to so many.”

 The Naturesave Trust is funded by the activities of Naturesave Insurance, the UK’s leading ethical insurance provider for individuals, businesses, charities and community groups.

For those local to East Lothian, please follow this link to book your ReUse Suitcase.